“My client believes that Cardell saved his life. Smith had a gun and was going to shoot it, and Cardell may have saved both of their lives … in my mind this is justifiable homicide. Was Will Smith acting like a saint? This was a hit-and-run that ended up in a tragedy. You’ve got the aggression of two [former] football players, facing off with each other as if they are on the field, and you are going to get your point across by any means necessary.”

The New Orleans Police Department said that three loaded weapons were found at the scene, one of which was loaded and recovered from Smith’s Mercedes.

A witness claims to have watched the argument between Smith and Hayes. According to the witness both Hayes and Smith spoke of their guns and the argument turned deadly when Smith said:

“‘Get out of here or I have a gun.’ And he goes, ‘Fuck y’all, I got one too.’ And he grabs the gun and then he shoots him in the back. He’s dead.”

It is still unclear at the moment what exactly happened, but as we reported earlier it appears as though the incident began with a hit-and-run (video) that took place minutes before the shooting.

Was this shooting justified? or did Cardell Hayes murder Will Smith? We will keep you updated as details emerge.